Welcome to Paradise

Welcome to Paradise

“Where Urban Amenities Meet Small Town Living!”

by Amy Lignor

People have a variety of locations across the globe they refer to as paradise, but when it comes to Sarasota, Florida, that is the one nickname for the city that actually stuck. With their motto being, “Where Urban Amenities Meet Small Town Living,” Sarasota is a city renowned for its cultural and environmental amenities, beaches, resorts, and shopping. And if you are that person looking for true fun in the sun, it is also one location out there that provides both in abundance.

Waves of enjoyment can be found here – whether you wish to soak up the sun while strolling or resting on Sarasota’s white-sand beaches, or treating yourself to diverse dining, arts and culture, museums and aquariums, or even shopping in a variety of unique shopping districts.

Recently publishing their “Summer 2018” guide, Sarasota has put together a calendar that lists all types of events families can plan on viewing and participating in this year. Not only can you still say hello to a manatee before heading off to explore a local farmers market, but you will also be able to get in some golf and even hop on a boat ride though some of the most wild and untamed parts of Florida. As you gear up to make your vacation plans, check out just some of the fun you’ll have if choosing to head to Sarasota.

The season kicks off on May 5th at the 46th annual Siesta Key Sand Sculpture Contest, held near the Siesta Key Public Beach Pavilion. As the month moves forward, the car fanatic can be a part of the Skyway Corvette Club’s 22nd annual Corvettes on the Circle, where 200 pristine Class Corvettes from each generation can be viewed.

The annual Venice Seafood Festival takes place at Centennial Park, and for the sports enthusiasts, the 88th annual Sarasota Tarpon Tournament kick-off party takes place at the White Buffalo Saloon, with the “World’s Oldest Tarpon Tournament” then running from May 12th through June 17th for juniors, adults, men and women.

When it comes to music, the Sarasota Orchestra’s signature summer kickoff is a uniquely-staged annual Outdoor Pops Concert; and for even more music that involves a Great Outdoors twist, you can head to Selby Gardens for a live music and performance series.

It is also a whole lot of fun to spend your Memorial Day Weekend in Sarasota at the Lakewood Ranch where the pre-Memorial Day “Tribute to Heroes” parade takes place. A list of events follow for the honored weekend from a blues festival to the Downtown Sarasota Memorial Day Parade. But May is just the beginning…

June arrives with the start of Sarasota Restaurant Week. With 60+ restaurants offering multi-course lunches and dinners, this festival is an excellent way to explore Sarasota by mouth.

Until the 24th of June, the Sarasota Music Festival takes place and gathers rising stars, including serious students and young professional musicians from across the nation for an intensive and intimate series of master classes and performances.

Mote Marine celebrates World Oceans Day on June 8th with their annual family festival featuring interactive, educational entertainment that focuses on ocean conservation. And Mote even ends the month with Shark Days, a whole week of “jaw-some” fun for the entire family.

Downtown Sarasota’s signature summer event is the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival, and will kick off on June 23rd and continue until the grand finale on July 4th. Not only is there the one big race, but other events include golf tournaments, car shows, fishing tournaments, the “Boats on Main” block party held downtown and a whole lot more.

In July, when the fireworks have been released, the Myakka River Kayak Festival takes place. And on July 20-21, Christmas returns and an annual summer blowout sale is hosted by local merchants.

Throughout the end of July and the month of August, everything you could possibly love has a place on the Sarasota Events Calendar. From a Slam Fishing Tournament to a ballroom dancing championship – there’s even a Pioneer Days Festival for the kids where they can enjoy cardboard boat races, a parade and shipwreck party, as well as historical tours for the family.

The outdoor enthusiast finally has a rugged, waterproof option when it comes to high-quality stereo sound. With built-in Bluetooth audio streaming, AM/FM radio and USB audio playback, STEREOACTIVE is packed with features. Engineered in New Zealand, the new compact system is designed for the challenges of life on the water or exposure to the elements and tuned to deliver crystal clear audio that enhances any activity. Featuring the unique Puck mount system, users can easily and securely attach the stereo to any surface, such as an RV exterior, cooler, outdoor cooking space, paddleboard, kayak, canoe, boat or even hot tub. To keep valuables safe from the elements, FUSION has also offered the ACTIVESAFE which, when combined with STEREOACTIVE, will securely house any smartphone, vehicle keys, bank cards, or loose change.

Virtually every angler on the water these days is well aware that boat docks hold bass throughout the year. However, not all anglers approach dock fishing with the correct tackle and strategy to make the most of their time on the water. Fine-tuning your approach by reaching all fish-holding zones and identifying patterns can definitely lead to higher catch rates and bigger fish. Read More…
Learn More at Z Man Fishing

After the Strike World record-holders will quickly agree there is much more to skilled angling than simply finding and hooking a fish. The battle, especially with large, powerful game fish, Read More…
Visit Yamaha Outboards.com

Take the Trip of a Life Time
Take a short drive south of New Orleans, and you come to the southernmost point in Louisiana. It’s Venice and being at the end of the road is just the beginning of your trip for world-class yellowfin tuna fishing
Visit Home Run Charters

Live bait rigged to stay on or near the surface is enticing as well. Predators push bait to the top during an attack, so a nervous morsel suspended under a kite, balloon or cork is always easy pickings. Baits hooked through the nose, or dorsal fin will stay near the surface whereas those hooked in the stomach or lower tail tend to swim downward. Trolled baits and lures serve the same purpose. The combination of splashing and bubbles, often in conjunction with teasers, help draw the game fish into the surface strike zone Read More…